The human brain is an incredibly complex machine, but it can also be surprisingly predictable. Over the years, psychologists have discovered strange yet effective psychological tricks that can influence behavior, decisions, and perceptions—often without people even realizing it.
Want to make someone like you more? Get people to say “yes” to your requests? Or subtly guide someone’s thoughts? Here are some of the strangest psychological tricks that actually work on people.
1. The Benjamin Franklin Effect – Get People to Like You by Asking for a Favor
Want someone to like you more? Instead of doing them a favor, ask them to do one for you. This counterintuitive trick is known as the Benjamin Franklin Effect, based on the idea that people justify their actions to themselves. If they do you a favor, their brain assumes, “I must like this person, otherwise I wouldn’t have helped them.”
How to Use It:
• Ask a colleague to lend you a book or a small item.
• Request a minor favor from someone you want to build rapport with.
• Use it in negotiations—getting someone to make a small concession first can make them more likely to agree to a bigger request later.
2. The Door-in-the-Face Technique – Get a Yes by Asking for Something Big First
People are more likely to agree to a smaller request if you first ask for something much bigger and get rejected. This is known as the door-in-the-face technique. The idea is that when someone refuses a big request, they feel guilty and are more likely to accept a smaller one.
How to Use It:
• Ask for a huge favor (expect a no), then follow up with a reasonable request.
• If you need a discount, first ask for a bigger discount before settling for a smaller, more reasonable one.
• If you’re fundraising, start by asking for a large donation, then suggest a smaller one when they decline.
3. The Silence Trick – Get More Information by Staying Quiet
People feel uncomfortable with silence in conversations. If you want someone to spill more details, ask a question and then stay quiet—resist the urge to fill the silence. Most people will keep talking just to break the awkwardness, often revealing extra information they didn’t originally intend to share.
How to Use It:
• In negotiations, after making a request, stay silent and let the other person fill the gap.
• When someone gives a vague answer, don’t react—just wait, and they’ll often elaborate.
• In social settings, use silence to encourage deeper conversations.
4. The Name-Calling Effect – Make People Like You by Saying Their Name
People love hearing their own name. Using someone’s name in conversation builds rapport and makes them feel important. This technique is widely used in sales, customer service, and leadership to make people feel valued.
How to Use It:
• When meeting someone, repeat their name: “Nice to meet you, Sarah.”
• In emails or texts, address the person by name to make it more personal.
• During negotiations or persuasion, use their name to strengthen connection.
5. The Foot-in-the-Door Technique – Get Big Yeses by Starting Small
The opposite of the door-in-the-face technique, this trick involves getting someone to agree to a small request first before making a bigger request. Once people commit to something small, they feel inclined to stay consistent with their actions.
How to Use It:
• Ask for a small favor first before making a bigger request.
• Get someone to sign a petition, then later ask them to donate to the cause.
• Get a customer to try a free sample, increasing the chances they’ll make a full purchase.
6. The Mismatch Effect – Confuse People to Get What You Want
When someone expects a normal response but you give them an unexpected or confusing one, their brain gets thrown off. This makes them more likely to comply with a request because they’re too busy trying to process what just happened.
How to Use It:
• Instead of saying, “Can you donate?”, say something unusual like, “Can you donate $7.46 today?” This makes them pause, making them more likely to say yes.
• When negotiating, respond with something unexpected like, “How about we flip a coin for it?” The element of surprise can break their resistance.
7. The Reverse Psychology Trick – Get People to Do the Opposite of What You Say
When you tell someone not to do something, it often makes them want to do it even more. This is because people naturally resist being controlled.
How to Use It:
• If you want someone to help, say something like, “You probably won’t have time for this, but…” They might just try to prove you wrong.
• When selling something, say, “This might not be for you…” which makes people more curious and interested.
• If you want someone to take advice, frame it as a suggestion, not a demand.
8. The Mirror Trick – Build Instant Rapport by Copying Someone’s Movements
People subconsciously like those who mirror their body language and gestures. This is called mirroring, and it’s a powerful way to build rapport.
How to Use It:
• Subtly copy the body language, posture, and speech patterns of the person you’re talking to.
• If they lean in, lean in slightly.
• If they cross their arms, wait a few seconds, then cross yours.
This makes people feel more comfortable around you because their brain recognizes you as “one of them.”
9. The Scarcity Principle – Make Something More Desirable by Limiting Its Availability
People naturally want what they can’t have. When something seems rare or limited, it increases its perceived value.
How to Use It:
• Use phrases like “Limited time offer”, “Only a few left”, or “Exclusive access” to make people want something more.
• If negotiating, act less available—people often value things more when they seem harder to get.
• In relationships, being a little unpredictable makes people more interested.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Psychology
These strange but effective psychological tricks show just how predictable and influenceable the human mind can be. Whether you’re looking to build rapport, persuade someone, or subtly influence decisions, understanding these psychological principles can give you an advantage in social situations.
Have you ever tried any of these tricks? Or have you noticed them being used on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!